§ Mr. FLAVINasked how many assistant teachers in Irish national schools have received notice of withdrawal of salary owing to a decline in the average attendance, a circumstance over which they have no control, in the year ended 31st March, 1910; and how many of these teachers have actually lost their positions in the same period from the same cause?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Commissioners of National Education inform me that it would take some time to prepare the information asked for, and it will not be possible to furnish an answer to the hon.2516W Member's question before the adjournment of the House.
§ Mr. FLAVINasked the Chief Secretary how many assistant teachers are employed in the Irish national schools; how many of these are in a higher grade than third; how many have received promotion in the year ended 31st March, 1910; whether the conditions on which such promotions will be granted are anywhere stated in the Commissioners' Rules and Regulations; and, if not so stated, will he suggest to the National Board the desirability of stating them, so as to foster ambition in and give a direction to the abilities of this large body of teachers?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Commissioners of National Education inform me that there are 4,884 assistant teachers employed in Irish National schools, of whom 104 are in a higher grade than third. Three assistants were promoted in grade in the year ended 31st March, 1910. There are no special regulations for the promotion of assistants in the Commissioners' Rules, and the Commissioners do not consider it necessary that there should be such regulations.
§ Mr. LARDNERasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the annual salary formerly paid to the teacher of Tattenclave national school, Roll No. 13,485, Circuit 6 b, was £51, and that, owing to the fact that the average for the calendar year 1909 fell below twenty, the salary for the quarter ending 31st March, 1910, was paid at the rate of £44, and will remain at the rate of £44 for the remainder of the year, and is he aware that the fall in the average attendance last year was due to the inclement weather; will he state if the manager of the school applied to the Commissioners of National Education to continue the salary at the former rate, having regard to the circumstances under which the average was reduced, and that this application was refused; and will he state whether the Commissioners have in past years, where inclement weather has been the cause of the decreased average, allowed the salary to be paid at the full rate?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Commissioners of National Education inform me that the salary of the teacher referred to was reduced from the 1st January, 1910, because the average attendance for the preceding year was insufficient. The manager's application was received, but the Commissioners were unable to accede to it as exceptional causes may not be considered 2517W when there is a decline in average attendance for an extended period. The manager was, however, informed that, should the average attendance for the current year reach twenty, salary at the rate of £51 per annum will be restored to the teacher as from the 1st January, 1910. Inclemency of the weather has not been regarded in previous years as a reason for continuance of salary at the higher rate in such cases as the present.